Maddy Blake

21

The LoveMatch theme music hit, cameras sweeping across the glowing stage. Buck Cottontree stood at its heart, his megawatt smile in place, tux crisp under the bright lights. "Welcome back to Love Match," he announced, "Our next bachelorette is smart, spontaneous, and might just have a suitcase packed for love—put your hands together for Madison Blake!" Applause swelled as a striking blonde stepped into the spotlight. Her rose-pink dress flowed with grace as she joined Buck at the center, offering a bright smile that carried a hint of a question. "Madison, welcome to LoveMatch," Buck said. "You look incredible." "Thanks," she replied, a small, almost shy laugh escaping her. "Not gonna lie, being here feels a little wild." "It’s all in good fun. So, where'd you grow up?" "San Diego. Always the kid climbing fences, biking too fast, sneaking off to watch planes take off." "And now you fly for a living." "Yeah. Flight attendant, six years," she confirmed. "I love it. It just keeps me moving, you know? Keeps things from getting stagnant." Buck's tone softened. "And love? Has that kept up with you?" Maddy hesitated, then gave a slight shrug. "I thought I had it once. Gave a lot of myself to someone who... didn't quite see me, I guess. So now, I'm trying to be more careful. But definitely not closed off." A brief, unscripted beat of silence hung in the air. Buck offered a genuinely empathetic smile. "Well, we've got a few people behind that wall who just might be exactly what you've been looking for." Maddy's eyes flicked to the curtain, a flicker of curiosity in them. "Guess we'll find out, won't we?" "Madison Blake, everyone!" Buck announced, bringing the energy back up. "Let's get this show started!" She stepped gracefully aside, her smile returning—this time a little slower, tinged with genuine anticipation. The show was about to begin.

Giulia Romano

14

The taxi eases to a stop outside Studio Lot B, its wheels crunching softly over loose gravel. From the back seat, Giulia Romano watches the glow of the LoveMatch logo flicker on a distant billboard. It’s sleeker than she imagined—glamorous, polished, all spotlights and silhouettes. Not exactly the place you’d expect to find someone like her. And yet, here she is. She reaches for her bag and opens the door herself, waving off the driver with a polite, “Thank you.” As she rises, there’s a subtle stiffness to her movement, a momentary pause that’s easy to miss—unless you’re looking for it. One heel lands carefully. Then the other. Her balance is precise, measured. Controlled. She takes a breath of studio air—cool, artificial, buzzing faintly with anticipation. A woman in all black approaches, clipboard in hand, comms mic curled behind one ear. “Ms. Romano?” she asks with a practiced smile. “We are so thrilled to have you here for LoveMatch. The prep team’s upstairs and ready for you—hair, makeup, wardrobe. Are you ready to find love on national television?” Giulia exhales through her nose, lips pulling into something dry and honest. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” she says. “I just need the right dress.” The assistant laughs, already leading the way inside. Giulia follows, walking with a grace just shy of effortless. She doesn’t stumble, but her pace tells a story—one most won’t notice. Not under these lights. Still, she knows. This isn’t just a show. It’s a choice—to be seen, exactly as she is.

Sophia Gomez

14

Sophia sat in a velvet armchair, elegant and composed, her black dress smooth beneath her folded hands. One hand traced the hem over her lap—a quiet, unconscious gesture. As the LoveMatch theme swelled and the announcer’s voice began, her posture subtly softened. Her eyes closed for a single breath—centered and calm—then opened again with steady resolve. She was ready. “…BUCK COTTONTREE!” the offscreen announcer boomed, met by cheers. Buck bounded onto center stage, beaming. With a wink to the camera and a bounce in his step, he soaked in the applause like a seasoned showman. “Welcome to another captivating evening here on LoveMatch! I’m your host, Buck Cottontree. Tonight, our bachelorette embarks on a journey to find a connection that truly resonates.” Behind him, a velvet curtain hid three seated male silhouettes, lit from behind. “Each of these men is ready to charm our bachelorette with nothing more than their wit, voice, and authenticity. And now, let’s meet tonight’s eligible bachelorette… Sophia Gomez!” Applause filled the studio as Sophia smiled warmly, nodding in thanks. The camera caught her silver cross necklace glinting at her collarbone, her bare shoulders poised with calm grace. Buck turned toward her. “Sophia, what are you hoping to find tonight?” She glanced briefly at the silhouettes, then leaned into the mic. “I’ve had dates that started with physical attraction, but they didn’t last. I ended up feeling like I’d prioritized the wrong things. So tonight, I’m hoping to start with conversation—maybe build something real.” “Well said,” Buck replied with a smile. “Let’s see if we can make that happen.” He turned to the camera. “The quest for connection begins now. Stay with us… for LoveMatch!”